MIT STEAMfest LIVE!

BSG's STEAM dream team of Mr. Barton, Daniel Stauber (Y5), Shaan Nankani (Y6), Alisha Lowe (Y8) and Scarlet Corr (Y8) are enjoying challenges set by some of MIT's top academics! Here's how they're getting on...

Reports by Mr. Barton, MIT STEAM Week Leader.

Day One

After breakfast and getting introduced to MIT Staff and current students, the children then had to think of a create way to display their red Red Sox bandana. After this,  they set off to MIT to start their morning challenges. Our leader for the morning was Ryan, a current MIT student and he took us around the university, stopping off on the way to set different challenges for the children. Each challenge had a different aim and focus, and really made the children think in depth about the meaning of the task. One of the highlights was the tunnel art which, if you had the right app, could show you a video of how the art was actually made and the meaning behind it.

After a delicious lunch at Messeh Hall, the children set off for the Ice Rink and the presentation by a MIT toy product designer. It was really interesting to hear about all the things they did. The children then got to experience some research and test out some different toys which were made at MIT. The next stage in the development of this workshop was the prototype. They developed their own cutting machine which would then cut out some blue foam. It was a great hands-on activity and the kids where really facinated by it. You might even get them ordering a kit once they come home!

The final activity of the day was Boda Borg. It was a new experience for all and it was slightly difficult at times, however, the children were so excited about this new experience. It was like a escape room but using different skills and logic. I will leave the rest of the explanation the children. It was fantastic first day and very memorable for the children!

Day Two

Today was all about 2.009, a famous engineering course here at MIT. The professor David Wallace who runs the course here at MIT launched the day with a presentation, confetti poppers, followed by a big reveal! The children's aim for the day for to design, model and test a toy of their own design for a child. Throughout the day the children collaborated within their groups which was great to see. They were in different groups from each others so it meant they also had time to meet new friends. The groups were supported by current MIT students but lead by the kids themselves. The task itself was quite tricky however some of the designs were really inventive and had several interesting aspects. After the presentations and dinner we then made our way to the theatre. It was an interesting show about women astronomers. A very rewarding experience today for the children.

Day Three

It has been a very busy and rewarding week so far but today was slightly different. The morning started with some speeches from current MIT students before the morning workshop. Troxes are interlinking triangular boxes, and the man who invented them, not only told but showed them all about where his idea came from and why these intricate shapes are so important in the world around us. The week has been great but for me this was definitely one of the highlights. As you can see from the pictures, the final designs were pretty impressive. After lunch, we then made our way to the Museum of Science. It was pretty impressive and really you could spend a couple of days there, but in the short time we had the children had a chance to see maths, biology and physics. It's definitely a place to go back to. After dinner we then started on our duck tour. It was great to have the chance to see some of Boston itself and as well as that we were in a bus that could travel on water...say no more. A great day today once again.

#NAEMIT #SkysTheLimit #STEAM

Discover more about how The British School of Guangzhou collaborates with MIT to help students invent the future by clicking here!